The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) has explained that the change in the unemployment rate is due to a contraction of the labour force.

The unemployment rate for January 2026 is 3.6 percent, down from the 3.7 recorded for January 2025.

Speaking at the quarterly press briefing on Tuesday, STATIN’s Acting Deputy Director General Dr Natalie Simpson explained that the number of persons unemployed declined by 3000.

The Deputy Director General said its primarily the youth who are outside the labour force.

As it relates to industry, accommodation and food services experienced the largest decline in employment, totalling 14,500.

While the services and sales workers occupation group, had the largest decline in employment 10,400.